ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Communications
TRAI releases draft Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund  Regulation, 2023 for comments
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India  today released draft Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund  Regulation, 2023 for stakeholders’ comments.
The TRAI had notified the Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund Regulations, 2007 [ [hereinafter referred to as the principal regulations] on June 15, 2007. In terms of these regulations, a fund called “Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund”  was created. The income generated by the TCEPF is utilised to undertake activities such as conduct Consumer Outreach Programmes, seminars, workshops, developing educational and awareness material, etc. for dissemination of information to the consumers. The activities are planned by the Committee for Utilisation of Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund  setup under the regulations.
The Authority has observed that for preparation, maintenance & audit of accounts and for the participation of representatives of consumer groups for attending the meetings of CUTCEF, expenditure are to be incurred from TCEPF and provisions are required in the regulations. Accordingly, amendments have been proposed in the regulation 06 and 13 of the principal regulations.
During the year 2020, Corporation Bank, in which the TCEPF is maintained, has been merged with the Union Bank of India. Further, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986  has been repealed by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 . Therefore, amendments have been made to change the relevant provisions in the principal regulations.
The draft regulation is accessible on TRAI website www.trai.gov.in and shall be open for comments of the stakeholders up to August 14, 2023.
Special Service and Features
TDS – Webinar for Tax Deductors of Greater Chennai Corporation
Commissionerate of Income Tax , Chennai and Greater Chennai Corporation jointly conducted a TDS – Webinar for the benefit of Tax Deductors of Greater Chennai Corporation, today .
Shri Raja, Financial Adviser, GCC h has delivered inaugural address.
Shri L Rajaraman, ITO and Shri T V Sridhar, ITO , presented a PPT in Tamil and explained the various TDS sections of the Income Tax Act,1961. Stress was made deduction of tax on certain expenses at the stipulated rates, remittances of the deducted amount into the central government account in time, filing of quarterly TDS Statements within the time allowed in the Income Tax Act,1961 and issue of certificates to the deductees.
Ms Dhivya Rangamani has delivered practical presentation on reduction of demand in the TRACES portal More than 130 tax deductors of Greater Chennai Corporation participated and got benefitted.
Shri A Sasi Kumar, Inspector of Income tax has delivered vote of thanks.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President and President of ICWA appoints Director General of ICWA
The Vice President of India and the President of ICWA, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has appointed Dr. T.C.A. Raghavan  as the Director General, ex officio Member-Secretary of the Council, ICWA. The decision was taken in the meetings of the Governing Body and Governing Council of the Indian Council of World Affairs held, here today.
The appointment was made in terms of Section 7 and Section 15 of the Indian Council of World Affairs Act, 2001, read with the Indian Council of World Affairs  Act, 2003, the Council, constituted under Section 7 of the Act, and the post is equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, with effect from 24th July, 2018.
Dr. T.C.A. Raghavan has served as India’s High Commissioner to Islamabad and Singapore and has served in our missions at London, Thimphu and Kuwait.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Cabinet grants ex-post facto approval to Agreement between India and Sweden on Recognition of Seafarer Certificates
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Agreement between India and Sweden on Recognition of Seafarer Certificates, pursuant to Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-Keeping for seafarers, 1978.
The Agreement will pave the way for recognition of maritime education and training, certificates of competency, endorsements, training and documentary evidence and medical fitness certificates for seafarers issued by the Government of both the countries, in accordance with the provision of regulation 1/10 of the STCW Convention, and cooperation between the two countries in the training certification and management of seafarers.
The Agreement will be beneficial to both the countries as Sweden is a ship owning nation while India is a net seafarers supplying nation.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Tele-Law touches a new milestone; 4 Lakh beneficiaries received legal advice under the initiative through CSC
2.05 lakh advices have been enabled during the first seven months of FY-20-21 as against total 1.95 lakh advices given till April 2020
Tele-Law has touched a new milestone on 30th October 2020 with 4 Lakh beneficiaries having received legal advice under this through CSCs . As against total 1.95 lakh advices given till April 2020 since the launch of the programme, 2.05 lakh advices have been enabled during the first seven months of this financial year.
Embarking on the “Digital India Vision” of the Government of India, Department of Justice has been harnessing “emerging” and “indigenous” digital platforms to accelerate and make access to justice a reality for all. In meeting this objective, Tele-Law programme was launched in 2017 to address cases at pre–litigation stage. Under this programme, smart technology of video conferencing, telephone /instant calling facilities available at the vast network of Common Service Centres at the Panchayat level are used to connect the indigent, down-trodden, vulnerable, unreached groups and communities with the Panel Lawyers for seeking timely and valuable legal advice.
Especially designed to facilitate early detection, intervention and prevention of the legal problems, the Tele-Law service is proactively outreached to groups and communities through a cadre of frontline volunteers provided by NALSA and CSC- e Gov. These grassroot soldiers have been additionally equipped with a mobile application to pre-register and schedule appointment of the applicants during their field activity. Dedicated pool of lawyers has been empanelled to provide continued legal advice and consultation to the beneficiaries. Enriching IEC has been uploaded on its public portal that may be accessed on https://www.tele-law.in/. Separate Dashboard has been developed for capturing real time data and nature of advice rendered. In order to ensure district level granularity in the near future, data is also being pushed to the PMO Prayas Portal.
Ministry of Defence
India Joins Select Group of Nations, Destroys Live Satellite in Low Earth Orbit
Defence Research and Development Organisation  today successfully conducted an Anti-Satellite  missile test ‘Mission Shakti’ from the Dr AP J Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. A DRDO-developed Ballistic Missile Defence  Interceptor Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite in Low Earth Orbit  in a ‘Hit to Kill’ mode. The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors has confirmed that the mission met all its objectives.
The test has demonstrated the Nation’s capability to defend its assets in outer space. It is a vindication of the strength and robust nature of DRDO’s programmes.
With this India joins a select group of nations, which have such capability. The test has once again proven the capability of indigenous weapon systems.
Nampi/DK
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Prime Minister's Office
PM to young IAS Officers: Fill the system with energy of New India
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today advised young IAS officers to avoid getting into a mindset that resists change, and fill India’s administrative system with the energy of ‘New India.’
Addressing IAS Officers of the 2015 batch at the Inaugural Session of Assistant Secretaries, the Prime Minister began by asserting that India has not progressed as much as it should have. He said countries that achieved independence after India, and faced greater resource constraints than India, have touched new heights of development. He said boldness is required to drive change, and added that a fragmented administrative arrangement does not allow the collective capabilities of officers to deliver to the optimum level. He said dynamic change is needed to transform the system.
He said that this three month programme of Assistant Secretaries, is now into its third year, and would have a great impact. He urged the young officers to interact freely with the senior-most officers of the Union Government over the next three months, so that the system could benefit from the combination of their energy and fresh ideas, and the administrative experience of Secretary-level officers.
The Prime Minister asked the young officers to recall their life upto the day of the UPSC result, the challenges they faced; and use the opportunities they will now have, to bring about positive changes in the system, and the lives of the common people.
The Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh and senior Government Officers were present on the occasion.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Helpdesk operationalized by DGFT for COVID-19 related Export or Import issue
For any COVID-19 related Export or Import issue, a Helpdesk has been operationalized by Directorate General of Foreign Trade  in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Exporters/importers may directly flag their issues through any of the following channels -
Contact@DGFT Platform  :
Email : dgftedi[at]nic[dot]in
Call at Toll free number : 1800-111-550
Ministry of Power
India and Denmark sign MOU for developing cooperation between two countries in the power sector
A Joint Working Group to be established to work out specific details
The Memorandum of Understanding on Indo-Denmark Energy Cooperation between the Ministry of Power, Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry for Energy, Utilities and Climate, Government of the Kingdom of Denmark to develop a strong, deep and long-term co-operation between two countries in the power sector on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit was signed on 5th June , 2020.
The MoU was signed by Mr. Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, Secretary  from the Indian side and Mr. Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark to India from the Danish side.
The MoU provides for collaboration in areas like offshore wind, long term energy planning, forecasting, flexibility in the grid, consolidation of grid codes to integrate and operate efficiently variable generation options, flexibility in the power purchase agreements, incentivize power plant flexibility, variability in renewable energy production etc. The Indian electricity market would benefit from cooperation with Denmark in these areas.
For implementation of the identified areas, a Joint Working Group  will be established under the MoU. The JWG will be co-chaired by Joint Secretary level officials and will report to a Steering Committee, jointly chaired by the Secretary level officer from both the sides.
The Governments will endeavour to take necessary steps to encourage and promote strategic and technical co-operation in the power sector for mutual benefit in the identified areas through the MoU.
RCJ/M
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President's Secretariat
President's Greetings on the eve of Buddha Purnima
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, in his message on the eve of Buddha Purnima has said: -
“On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, I extend my warm wishes to all the fellow citizens and followers of Lord Buddha all over the world.
Mahatma Buddha preached non-violence, love and compassion to the people. In a world full of turmoil, his teachings are more relevant today than ever before. The teachings of Mahatma Buddha inspire entire humanity to strive towards a life based on moral values. He guided people to follow the path of compassion and tolerance.
Let us resolve to follow the “Ashtangik Marg” shown by Mahatma Buddha and contribute towards building a peaceful, harmonious and developed country by leading a virtuous life”.
Click here for President's message in hindi
Ministry of Science & Technology
Scientists working on anti COVID drugs using garlic essential oil
Department of Biotechnology’s Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing  at Mohali, has planned a bouquet of research projects aimed at generating products that could be used for prevention, diagnosis or cure of for the deadly COVID 19 infection that is currently sweeping over the entire world.
The plan has been designed so as to utilise the expertise of its scientists, who come from a diverse range of research backgrounds including chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, molecular biology, nutrition, nanotechnology.
While Under the preventive platform, the institute has planned to work on lignin derived Noble metal nanocomplexes for developing antiviral coating materials, and rose oxide-enriched citronella oil, carbopol and triethanolamine formulated alcoholic sanitizer, under the therapeutics platform, the effort will be focussed on polypyrrollic photosensitizers and their nanoformulations for antiviral photodynamic therapy, microbial production of immunomodulatory and antiviral fructan biomolecules, and development and commercial manufacturing of nasal spray kit to ease chest congestion suffered in Corona Infection etc.
Under the Drug discovery platform, in turn, the research will explore separation of therapeutic and valuable medicinal components from the peel and seeds of fruits and utilisation of natural garlic essential oil as a ACE 2 protein inhibitor for preventing SARS-CoV-2 invasion.
Besides, studies are to be conducted for development of lignin derived nanocarriers  with potential for antiviral drug delivery and using curcumin fortified whey protein Powder as a nutraceutical.
The researchers would endeavour to come out with products that are biocompatible, low cost and scalable and have set out with a timeline of six months to one year. The studies would be conducted in collaboration with chemical industries and other government laboratories with BSL-3 facility.
Ministry of Textiles
Textile manufacturers should start securing Cotton to meet their demands: Shri Goyal
Textile sector has a target to achieve exports of 100 billion USD by next 5-6 years: Shri Goyal
Textile manufacturers should start securing Cotton to meet their demands. Besides, all those involved with Cotton industry should meet to discuss the strategy to ensure traceability of cotton and better value of the cotton products, said Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Commerce & Industry during a video conference on Wednesday with members of Export Promotion Councils.
The virtual meeting was convened with senior representatives of all the 11 Export Promotion Councils under the Ministry of Textiles including Apparel Export Promotion Council , The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council , Carpet Export Promotion Council , Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts , to name some. In addition, representatives of industry associations viz. The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, Tiruppur Exporters Association and The Southern India Mills’ Association also participated in the meeting.
He said that a two days meeting should be organized to discuss new ideas on strengthening the Textile sector. At least 50% participants should be youngsters and there should be involvement of Quality Control of India , Commerce, DPIIT, Finance, Banking Export Insurance for holistic engagement so as overarching themes may be discussed.
The Union Minister said that last year, Textile export was approx. 42 billion USD while the target is to achieve 100 billion USD by next 5-6 years. He mentioned that if achieved, the economic value of the sector will be 250 billion USD collectively for domestic and international.
Shri Goyal introduced Ms. Rachna Shah, IAS with the EPCs, who will be officially taking charge as Secretary Ministry of Textile on November 1st, 2022 after superannuation of Shri UP Singh, Secretary Textile on October 31st, 2022.
He directed Ms. Shah should visit the Textile hubs like in Surat, Noida, Tiruppur-Coimbatore and others. In addition, applications proposed under PM Mitra around these hubs may also be visited for observation and recording response of the industry representatives.
He said that funds are available under Textile Mission and should be utilized in new projects. He added the potential of Textile Sector may be showcased in G-20. Participation of industry representatives in the shopping festivals recently announced by the Finance Minister may also be pursued, he said.AD/NS
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Ministry of Jal Shakti
NMCG Organizes Clean Yamuna Campaign at 7 Ghats on River Yamuna in Delhi
Cleanliness Drive aims to Generate Awareness on Importance of keeping the Rivers Clean for a Better and Sustainable Future
As part of the ongoing awareness campaign for River Yamuna, National Mission for Clean Ganga  and a group of NGOs organized cleanliness drives at 7 ghats on Yamuna in the National Capital today. Students from schools participated in the Shram Daan activities organized on the 7 ghats including Kalindi Kunj, Nigambodh Ghat, Signature Bridge, Sonia Vihar Pushta 1, Thokar#17 Sungerpur, Thokar#18 Gandhi Nagar and Thokar#21 Gandhi Nagar. Officials from Delhi Jal Board  and Municipal Corporation of Delhi  in large numbers joined the cleanliness drive, which began at 7.30 am.
The NGOs which were part of the cleanliness drives include Bharatiyam, Rotary Manthan, Earth Warriors, Yuva Parivartan Foundation, SYA etc. This is a regular activity organized on the 4th Saturday of every month.
Executive Director , NMCG, Shri D.P, Mathuria took part in the event and interacted with the stakeholders, especially young children, on the importance of keeping our rivers clean for a better and sustainable future. He motivated the participants to become part of this Clean Yamuna movement that is gaining momentum.
The cleaning of tributaries of River Ganga, especially, Yamuna, is one of the focus areas of Namami Gange Programme. While 318 MLD STP at Coronation Pillar constructed under Namami Gange Programme was commissioned in March, 3 other main STPs on Yamuna funded by NMCG are targeted to be completed by December 2022. These include Rithala, Kondli and Okhla, which is one of the biggest STPs in Asia. This will help in preventing sewage from drains falling into Yamuna. A total of 12 projects for the treatment of 1385 MLD sewage have been taken up at a cost of about Rs. 2354 crore under Namami Gange Program in Delhi, to abate the pollution in River Yamuna.
Ministry of Defence
Two-Day Coastal Defence Exercise “Sea Vigil” Concludes
The first coastal defence Exercise Sea Vigil, conducted by the Navy and Coast Guard, in close coordination with State Governments and Union Territories concluded today, 23 Jan 2019. It was the largest such exercise the country had ever witnessed in recent times and saw participation by more than 100 ships, aircraft and patrol boats manned and operated by various security agencies.
The exercise had commenced yesterday morning and comprised two distinct phases. In the first phase, all stakeholders assessed the robustness of their own organisations. During the second phase, simulated attacks were carried out on vital installations and assets by infiltrating through the sea, in Kerala and Lakshadweep. The security agencies were able to thwart attempts by the opposing force to infiltrate onto the coast using commandeered fishing boats. Response of agencies to other security contingencies such as hijacking of a ship and attack on offshore installations off Kochi Harbour was also assessed. All infiltration attempts will be analysed promptly to identify gaps in the multi-tier security layers at sea, close to the land and also in the hinterland in close coordination with concerned stakeholders.
Sea Vigil that lasted for over two days, including the mobilisation phase, witnessed a high tempo of operations by all agencies and large-scale deployment of forces. All operational centres of the Navy and Coast Guard and control rooms of Police and Kochi Port were fully activated and exchanged information with each other. During the exercise, multi-agency teams also evaluated the security set up implemented by agencies including at fishing harbours, fish landing centres, police control rooms and ports amongst others.
Sea Vigil conducted by Indian Navy and assisted by all stakeholders will facilitate in establishing shortfalls, working out new ways to optimise resources, recommend solutions to higher authorities and refine Standard Operating Procedures. With active support from all stakeholders, such exercises further strengthen the overall security architecture and enhance confidence to thwart any misadventure by anti-national elements.
Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, AVSM, NM, VSM, Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defence periodically reviewed the progress of Ex Sea Vigil in the presence of senior officers from Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police and other agencies at the Joint Operations Centre, Kochi.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary.
Shri Modi tweeted :
"On his death anniversary, I pay tributes to our former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru."
Ministry of Education
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan collects soil from Aurobindo Bhavan as part of “Meri Mati Mera Desh” campaign
Sri Aurobindo’s thoughts, ideals and contributions had a key role in shaping the destiny of our nation - Shri Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today paid homage to Aurobindo Ghosh at Aurobindo Bhavan, Kolkata. The Minister collected soil from Aurobindo Bhavan as part of Meri Mati-Mera Desh campaign launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Pradhan said that Sri Aurobindo’s thoughts, ideals and contributions had a key role in shaping the destiny of our nation. He was one of the strongest voices of breaking free from colonial mindset, he added. The Minister expressed that he is blessed to collect the sacred soil from Sri Aurobindo’s birthplace in Kolkata as a part of the Meri Maati Mera Desh initiative. His vision for a ‘Shrestha Bharat’ will always guide us.
Shri Pradhan highlighted that National Education Policy 2020, is aligned with Shri Aurobindo's vision of real education, which provides a well-rounded free and creative environment for the child's development. The Minister reiterated ‘Panch Pran'  to ensure a developed India in the next 25 years. He said that the entire country showed its national integrity beyond caste and creed during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. He said, we should take pledge for the nation-building, freedom from colonial mindset, support Indian culture and heritage, stand by national unity and remember those who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle.
The collected soil will be a part of the Amrit Vatika to be developed in Delhi.